Whilst keeping the exact location of the proposed site near the city’s CBD under wraps because of confidentiality clauses in the proposed public/private partnership, vice-chairman Chris Fong believes the planned $60 million venue will be the template all A-League clubs should aspire to.
An initial agreement is in place with project developers for a 12-17,000 capacity stadium at a site with existing viable transport links and infrastructure.
Whilst the stadium would require state and federal government backing, along with support from Stadiums Queensland, Fong is optimistic the Roar are close to securing a viable alternative to cavernous Suncorp Stadium.
Brisbane's average gate of 10,540 this season falls short of the break-even figure written into their tenancy agreement which is believed to be 13,000 - a number Fong declined to confirm.
“We are looking at taking an existing sporting venue and reconfiguring it to an exceptional standard - that’s what’s in play at the moment,” Fong told The World Game.
“There are development plans and things are moving in the right direction.
“We would of course need support from state and federal government and Stadiums Queensland, and there’s an election coming up this year (in October) but we think it’s a realistic concept which could be up and running in under three years.
“Queensland is becoming more and more a sporting destination (with Australia’s 2023 Women’s World Cup bid and 2032 Olympic bid) and this venue would fill an existing gap in stadium infrastructure.”
Lack of purpose built venues has been an issue across the A-League since its inception, with Brisbane only once able to to draw a crowd in excess of 15,000 to 50,000-capacity Suncorp Stadium since the start of the 2017-18 season - 15,129 turning up for a goalless draw against Wellington in round two last season.
Renovations at Ballymore stadium or Perry Park have long been mentioned as a possible new home for the Roar but Fong has seemingly ruled them out by claiming the proposed venue was not "one of the usual suspects".
Once we get this across the line it will then only be a case of using Suncorp for the bigger games,” added Fong.
“In our one match at Dolphin Stadium so far this season (the 10,000 capacity Redcliffe venue to the north of the city) the feedback and fan experience has terrific in a smaller venue.
“Our coach Robbie Fowler would love to be playing in those atmospheric smaller type venues every week.”
Fong is convinced the construction of a sorely needed new sporting venue in Brisbane would also pave the way for a long mooted second A-League team in the city.
“On a broader scale it will open the door for that to happen, a second team in greater Brisbane,” he added.
“With Dolphin Stadium there already that would be a fantastic location for a second A-League club in the north of the city.
“We’re definitely going to get a second team here but it won’t happen until there is that second viable venue to play out of.
“Our relationship with Suncorp is still fantastic and I believe it’s one of the best venues in Australia.
“But the problem with many A-League clubs - not just us - is ensuring a high level of entertainment and atmosphere.
“Clearly smaller more intimate stadiums attract crowds - just look at Sydney FC playing out of Jubilee Stadium this season and what a success that’s been.”
